The vampire, who was arranging some items on a counter, turned as soon as he heard her approach. His gaze immediately fell on the jacket tied around Amara's waist. He raised an eyebrow, then motioned to her waist with a gesture, as if asking for an explanation.Amara, with a half-smile, raised her hands in a sign of surrender. "The pants... didn't fit. They were too tight."He remained still for a moment, then a flash of understanding crossed his face. One of his famous insights, as if he could replay every detail of Amara's body in his mind. Probably, while they were still on the airship, he had analyzed her with the precision of someone studying a machine. And yes, now it was clear: those pants were not made for a body like hers, long and curvaceous, with curves that seemed sculpted by nature itself.With an elegant gesture, he signaled for her to wait, then turned and ascended the spiral staircase with a light step. Amara watched him disappear, wondering what he was doing. After a few minutes, the vampire returned to the ground floor with something in his hands.It was a pink skirt made of an unusual fabric: silky and shiny, yet metallic to the touch, like a living, flexible material. He handed it to Amara with a half-smile, accompanying the gesture with a theatrical bow.Amara thanked him and returned to the fitting room. This time, changing was much easier. The skirt slipped on effortlessly, gliding over her long, smooth legs, shaping perfectly around her butt, finally covering it without constricting. The fabric fell lightly, adapting to her movements like a second skin.Looking at herself in the mirror, Amara finally felt dressed. Though this outfit wasn't something she would have chosen for herself, she had to admit that the skirt gave her an elegant and sophisticated air."Much better," she murmured, smiling for the first time since she'd put on those clothes.When she stepped out of the changing room, the vampire greeted her with a satisfied nod, as if he had known from the start that the skirt would be perfect for her.The sun was now high in the sky, and its warm rays filtered through the colorful windows of the house. It was lunchtime. The vampire gestured for Amara to follow him, and she, not knowing what else to do, stood up and followed him up the spiral staircase to the upper floor.The kitchen was cozy and chaotic, with pots of all shapes hanging from the walls and shelves overflowing with jars of spices in colors and scents unfamiliar to her. The vampire approached a wooden counter, beginning to prepare something. His movements were quick and graceful, almost choreographed.Amara watched him curiously as he sliced vegetables and seared a slice of meat on a sizzling plate. When the dish was ready, both inviting and unusual in appearance, the vampire handed it to her. Then, pointing to his own stomach and making comical grimaces, he tried to explain that she could eat it without fear, that the food would not harm her. Amara couldn't help but smile: it was the first time that mysterious figure showed a lighter, almost childlike side.With a grateful nod, she took the plate and sat at a table, beginning to eat. The food had a surprising taste, a combination of sweet, salty, and spicy that she had never experienced before.The vampire, sitting across from her, ate in silence, his gaze fixed on the empty space. He seemed completely absorbed in his thoughts, as if he were trying to solve a puzzle that tormented him. Only when he swallowed the last bite did he look up and meet her eyes.That sudden attention made Amara flinch, and she quickly averted her gaze, feeling her cheeks flush. She hadn't expected such directness, and the way he was looking at her – with a calm, almost hypnotic intensity – made her feel vulnerable.Finally, the vampire spoke. His voice was clear and confident, but surprisingly cheerful, a contrast to his mysterious appearance."I know you can't understand me," he said, with a somewhat amused tone, "and that talking to you right now is probably useless. But I'm not made for silence. I can't stay mute forever." He paused, looking at her with an enigmatic smile. "So, if we're going to spend time together, there's no other option: I'll teach you my language, Earthling."Amara stared at him, surprised. She hadn't expected his voice to be so melodious, almost musical. Despite his delicate but unmistakably masculine features, his voice caught her off guard."He has an incredible voice," she thought. "I wonder if he can sing too…"She shook her head, trying to focus. Though his words were incomprehensible to her, the gentle tone and the smile that accompanied his voice made her feel a strange trust in him. Pointing to her ears and then gesturing with her hand, she tried to indicate that she hadn't understood anything he had said.He chuckled softly, a low and warm sound, and smiled at her with compassion, as if he felt sorry for her. Then, without saying a word, he extended his hand. Amara hesitated for a moment, but then she offered it to him, trusting.With a theatrical gesture, the vampire brought her hand to his lips, brushing it with a light but solemn kiss. When he lifted his head, his eyes sparkled with a mysterious light."Welcome to Vindantia." he said clearly, pronouncing the name of the world with an emphasis that seemed laden with meaning.The vampire held eye contact with Amara for a moment, then straightened, brushing the edge of his hat in a theatrical gesture."I am Zelodio," he announced, his tone full of elegance and mystery. "And it's a true pleasure to meet you." He paused briefly, tilting his head slightly as if to emphasize his words, and then placed a gloved hand over his chest. He repeated slowly, clearly enunciating each syllable: "Zelodio."Amara watched him closely. She understood that this must be his name. With a slight smile of gratitude, she stood up, not wanting to seem rude by remaining seated. She pointed to herself with one hand and replied in a gentle, slightly shy tone: "I'm Amara. It's a pleasure to meet you, Zelodio."